Superintendent Bridges Makes Debut at School Board Meeting

Tyler Bridges attended his first Board of Education meeting Tuesday night as the new Superintendent of Stillwater Public Schools, outlining his plans to engage with community leaders and district personnel during his initial months on the job.

"This is day, I think, eight contractually on the job. So very fast and furious so far," Bridges said. "Just kind of getting a lay of the land ... there's a lot of moving parts to a district this size."

Bridges, told board members he is conducting one-on-one meetings with the entire organizational chart from assistant superintendent level down to principals. He has also completed site tours of every district facility except the high school, which is scheduled later in the week.

The superintendent said he is prioritizing immediate issues that need attention while identifying longer-term challenges that will require more planning and data gathering. He has attended chamber events and has meetings scheduled with various Stillwater partners and civic organizations.

"I've gone to some other ball games, just different things like that. Trying to get plugged into the community," Bridges said.

A leadership retreat is planned for July, followed by a board retreat. Bridges said he plans to establish a superintendent's advisory group and student leadership opportunities to maintain regular communication throughout the district.

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Federal Funding Concerns Discussed

Board members expressed concerns about potential changes to federal education funding, particularly Title funds that support various educational programs. Chief Financial Officer Kristie Newby said she has been in contact with other district CFOs across the state about the situation.

"We all believe that because that is part of the federal budget that was already approved, that that's just more of a pause of formality that we do believe we will get those in for this year," Newby said.

Bridges added that federal law limits cuts to Title funding sources to no more than 10% in one fiscal year, and congressional funds have already been dedicated and approved. He said the district is meeting with federal programs staff to discuss contingency plans.

Board member Dr. Marshall Baker criticized recent communications from Oklahoma State Superintendent of Instruction Ryan Walters regarding school lunch funding, calling the statements "not kid forward."

"The legislature has had an opportunity a few times to fund lunches, and that has not been passed into law. And he does not have the authority to do that either," Baker said. "I just want families to know ... to not plan financially on that necessarily right now."

High School Construction Progresses

Construction Manager Brian Thomas provided an update on the new high school project, reporting that Phase 1 construction remains on schedule for completion in May 2026. The north wing may be ready for a temporary certificate of occupancy as early as November or December, allowing furniture installation before final completion.

"The high school Phase 1 project is tracking on schedule," Thomas said. "We've been already having meetings, talking about punching the north half of the building later this fall."

Thomas said Phase 2, originally scheduled for December completion, is looking favorable to finish before that deadline. The project has made significant progress across multiple areas, with roofing, electrical work, and interior finishing advancing throughout the building.

The board also received updates on other construction projects, including the OES transportation facility, which is expected to receive its temporary certificate of occupancy soon. Roof and HVAC replacement projects at Sangre Ridge Elementary and Middle School are 90% complete.

Board Approves Adjunct Instructors

The board unanimously approved two adjunct instructors for the 2025-2026 school year. Jeana Bateson, a registered nurse and full-time faculty member at Meridian Technology Center's Health Science Program, will teach Anatomy and Physiology to provide dual credit opportunities for students.

Barry Fuxa, the district's Public Relations and Communications Coordinator, will teach a Communications class at Stillwater High School during each term of the upcoming school year.

Financial Updates

Treasurer Kristie Newby reported that the district has successfully transitioned to the Sylogist financial software system. She said the transition is proceeding smoothly, with activity funds now operational and other government funds expected to be integrated soon.

Newby highlighted several positive revenue developments, including ad valorem taxes coming in $2.3 million above estimated needs and interest earnings of $550,000 more than budgeted.